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All of us are experiencing a heightened awareness to situations in the world that feels traumatizing to our soul. But what happens to us when we experience trauma? And how can we walk alongside someone who has, or is, experiencing trauma?
Today our host Kaylene talks with Bianca Neff, founder of Petra Peacebuilders and a humanitarian worker, about trauma and how it affects each of us in our soul and body. The conversation is informative and helpful for anyone that has experienced trauma; has someone in their life that has experienced trauma; or just want to learn more about how to help trauma victims.
Terms and concepts mentioned in podcast
Traumagenic - describing or relating to the dynamics by which a traumatic event (e.g., childhood sexual abuse) may have long-term negative consequences, including the development of a mental disorder.
Post traumatic growth - Post-traumatic growth helps people find a new sense of personal strength and a new focus on helping others.
Trauma can alter brain functioning in many ways, but three of the most important changes appear to occur in the following areas:
1. The prefrontal cortex (PFC), known as the “Thinking Center.”
2. The anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), known as the “Emotion Regulation Center.”
3. The amygdala, known as the “Fear Center.”
How do we help someone in trauma?
**Parker J. Palmer mention - Let Your Life Speak discusses his depression
2. Learn about trauma and find resources (Be ready for when they are ready)
**If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.
Bianca is the daughter of an American father and a Basque mother from the historically conflict-ridden region of northern Spain. She is a humanitarian coach, credentialed as an Associate Certified Coach by the International Coach Federation (ICF). Her academic background in Conflict Resolution and Cultural Anthropology, combines with her coaching credentials and expertise in global transitions to uniquely qualify her to help lead the current movement toward peacebuilder resilience. She serves as Founding Director of Petra Peacebuilders.
Bianca has been active in global humanitarian work for 20 years, beginning in Latin America in the 1990s as an interpreter for English-speaking professionals. She then moved into cultural anthropology in Central Asia (the ‘–stan’ countries) and Arabic-speaking North Africa, helping development expats in understanding and respecting their local context. Her grassroots work in various nations combines with her experience at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva (UNOCHA), affording her an exceptionally broad perspective on the global non-profit enterprise.
Bianca has lived in Kyrgyzstan, Kenya, Morocco, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the USA. She is a dual citizen of Spain and the United States. She is also a Rotary Peace Fellow, and a two-time Rotary Paul Harris Fellow. She runs Petra Peacebuilders from Malaga, Spain.
RESOURCES
Moment to Breathe - Old Maps no Longer Work by Joyce Rupp
I keep pulling it out –
the old map of my inner path
I squint closely at it,
trying to see some hidden road
that maybe I’ve missed,
but there’s nothing there now
except some well-travelled paths.
they have seen my footsteps often,
held my laughter, caught my tears.
I keep going over the old map
but now the roads lead nowhere,
a meaningless wilderness
where life is dull and futile.
“toss away the old map,” she says
“you must be kidding!” I reply.
she looks at me with Sarah eyes
and repeats “toss it away.
It’s of no use where you’re going.”
“I have to have a map!” I cry,
“even if it takes me nowhere.
I can’t be without direction,”
“but you are without direction,”
she says, “so why not let go, be free?”
so there I am – tossing away the old map,
sadly fearfully, putting it behind me.
“whatever will I do?” wails my security
“trust me” says my midlife soul.
no map, no specific directions,
no “this way ahead” or “take a left”.
how will l know where to go?
how will I find my way? no map!
but then my midlife soul whispers
“there was a time before maps
when pilgrims travelled by the stars.”
It is time for the pilgrim in me
to travel in the dark,
to learn to read the stars
that shine in my soul.
I will walk deeper
into the dark of my night.
I will wait for the stars.
trust their guidance.
and let their light be enough for me.
We depend on your support to carry on the ministry of Potter's Inn. Each of our ministry staff also raise their own financial support for salaries to serve with our team.
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